Year-round heat, beautiful landscapes and a choice of islands filled with stunning beaches. The Canaries are the perfect beach destination for all holidaymakers.
Destination highlights
Year-round great weather
Endless beaches
Great for nature-lovers
Choice of islands
What are the best beaches in the Canaries?
Ready to swap your screen saver for the real deal? The Canaries are a buffet of sandy feasts and nature treats, with a side order of island vibes. With year-round toasty temperatures and over 300 annual days of sunshine, you can literally visit whenever you like. And if you're itching for a last-minute dash to paradise, we've got deals hotter than your crush's summer pics. So, let's dive into the beachy who's who:
Maspalomas (Gran Canaria): Picture 17km of pure sandy bliss. No rush for the best spots here (and no one plonking their towel down right next to you - winner)
Amadores (Gran Canaria): This is the family-friendly bay where the waters are as calm as a zen master and the sands are as soft as your favourite pillow. It's a man-made marvel where even the wind takes a break.
Playa el Bollullo (Tenerife): Black sands, secluded vibes, and a touch of volcanic drama – this beach is like the moody artist of the coast, perfect for lovebirds escaping the world.
Las Vistas (Tenerife): With 850m of sandy bliss and a sea as serene as a lullaby, this beach is a playground for the young and the young at heart. And ice cream? You bet there's ice cream.
Corralejo (Fuerteventura): Calling all thrill-seekers! This beach has waves that are ready to party with your surfboard, and sands that are itching to tickle your toes.
Playa el Hierro (Fuerteventura): Ever seen a beach that looks like a popcorn machine exploded? This is it. Not your average sandy shore, but an epic tale of nature's quirks.
Playa Flamingo (Lanzarote): With sands as fine as stardust and waters protected by manmade magic, families unite – this is your chill zone.
Playa del Reducto (Lanzarote): Blue Flag certified, sand as soft as a whisper, and a vibe that sings 'holiday anthem' – it's the beach that everyone is writing home about.
What are the top hotels in the Canaries?
These sun-drenched islands are full of tip-top hotels for that classic vacay feeling, and cheap holidays to the Canaries aren't hard to come by either. Have a nosy at these hotels if you can't decide where to jet off to...
Lanzarote is the real deal - perfect for families, couples, friends, just about anyone! Just imagine sitting on one of their glorious beaches, sun on your...of course it has a paper umbrella in it.
When it comes to the best Lanzarote holidays, there's one resort that has it all: the best nightlife in Lanzarote, easy access to some of the finest blue-flag...
Costa Adeje has three beautiful beaches to choose from. Playa Fanabe is the largest of the three, at nearly 1km in length, which is great for paddling...
Nestled on Gran Canaria’s south cost, the sunny resort of Maspalomas is ready and waiting to welcome sun-starved holidaymakers of all ages to its shores....
Thinking of a sunshine break in Lanzarote? Well, you're hardly alone! This Canary Island paradise attracts roughly three million of us a year to it's scenic...
Corralejo lies on Fuerteventura’s northernmost tip, with dune-backed beaches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The town seamlessly blends the charm of its...
Sun-kissed and full of fun, this iconic resort has long been a favourite for those who love it lively. Flying the rainbow flag with pride, Playa del Ingles...
Holidays to Lanzarote are among the most popular among travellers from the UK. Why? Perhaps it's the amazing climate, the gorgeous blue-flag beaches, the...
Located on the island’s lesser visited northern coast, Las Palmas is Gran Canaria’s original resort and the largest city in the Canary Islands. The city...
A holiday in Golf Del Sur will find you a stone's throw away from the island's famed nightlife and great party atmosphere, but many tourists now elect...
Antigua, being one of the oldest villages on the island provides an attractive, peaceful destination for those seeking relaxation. It’s location is great...
Canary Islands weather? You're in for a treat! The kind of treat that's perfect all year round. Let's break it down, shall we?
Summer in the Canary Islands is like the best beach day ever, every day. With temperatures hanging out at a comfy 24°C to 28°C, it's pure sunbathing bliss. But it's never too hot, thanks to a refreshing breeze that keeps things just right. No metaphors needed; it's simply perfect beach weather.
Now, don't overlook spring and autumn. With temperatures playing in the 20°C to 24°C range, these seasons are the go-to pals for exploring the islands. Whether you're hiking, sailing, or just taking in the views, the weather in the Canary Islands during these months is your friendly guide, showing you a great time.
Winter? The Canary Islands give winter a warm hug, keeping things around 18°C to 22°C. Forget those chilly mainland winters; here, you can still enjoy a seaside stroll or a sun-kissed terrace lunch.
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Reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Canaries Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
By Anthony TetleyVerified
Always use On the Beach for holidays...
Always use On the Beach for holidays abroad. Just an easy and simple way to book a holiday, and always had a great time.
By Tony FletcherVerified
Excellent
Always use on the beach and always have a fantastic pain free holiday, easy to use service and friendly helpful staff when needed, 😀
By Nigel HancockVerified
Absolutely brilliant service
Absolutely brilliant service and excellent customer support 👏
FAQs
How many Canary Islands are there?
The five main Canary islands include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.
How long does it take to fly to the Canaries?
It takes about four and a half hours to fly to the Canaries from the UK.
What's the time difference between the UK and the Canaries?
There is no time difference between the Canaries and the UK.
What currency do they use in the Canaries?
The official currency of the Canaries is the Euro.
What language do they speak in the Canaries?
The official language spoken in the Canaries is Spanish.
Take a hike
With their volcanic landscapes, lush greenery and stunning crystal-blue waters, the Canary Islands are perfect for those who love to hike. If you’re looking for a challenge, head to Tenerife and climb the jaw-dropping Mount Tiede, reaching heights of 3718m. In Gran Canaria, there are plenty of trails around the island to choose from, including the 10km hikes up Montaña del Viso and Camino de Santiago. The trails in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote may not be as well known but are definitely still worth checking out, especially if you fancy a day exploring in the wonderful Canarian sunshine.
Make a splash at a waterpark
One of the largest waterparks in Europe, Siam Park in Tenerife, promises a fun-filled day for all the family. Get your adrenaline pumping with the 28m-high Tower Power or sit back, relax and take it easy on the Mai Thai Lazy River. Over in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria you can head to Aqualand, offering a fantastic variety of pools and slides for all-around family fun! If you prefer to stay dry, there’s the Angry Birds Activity Park located in Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria that’s a hit with the younger ones.
Try a new watersport
The beautiful islands offer sun-soaked beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, which can only mean one thing….watersports! From surfing to wakeboarding, scuba diving to paragliding – there’s something for everyone. Those who love to ride the waves will find the best spots for surfing in Corralejo (Fuerteventura) and La Santa in Lanzarote. If windsurfing is your passion, make sure to go to one of the best windsurfing spots in the world - Pozo Izquiero in Gran Canaria. With crystal-clear waters, it’s great for those who prefer to be underwater rather than on top of it, as scuba diving and snorkelling is a fantastic experience when you’re in the Canary Island waters.
Dance the night away
If you’re hoping to dance until the early hours, Playa de las Americas in Tenerife has 2 main strips, both lined with bars and clubs including the hugely popular Linekers Bar. Over in Gran Canaria, Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria all offer a great range of bars from chilled-out spots to jazz clubs. Fuerteventura may be a calm, relaxing island, but you can still find your dose of evening fun in Corralejo where you can dance, drink cocktails or even watch some sports with a couple of beers. If it’s clubbing that you want, Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote has the buzzing atmosphere that you need for a fabulous night out on the tiles.
Go stargazing
With five Canary Islands being declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, these gorgeous islands make for the most perfect moonlit stroll. Light pollution is heavily controlled here making the night sky super clear and full of stars, so a beachy midnight walk is a must.
Explore an underground world
There may not be any rivers in the Canaries but there are a load of spectacular underwater lakes and caves to explore. Whether you feel like swimming in a cenote, exploring the caverns or having a candlelit dinner by an underground lake in Europe, there’s plenty to see under the ground here.
What events can I go to in the Canaries?
From huge festivals to religious celebrations, the Canary Islands are packed full of events. Whether you’re jetting off to Tenerife, heading for a beachy Fuerteventura escape or enjoying a Gran Canaria getaway, there’s plenty going on in the Canary Islands. Here are a few of our faves:
Gran Canaria Pride - With events in both May and November, expect huge parades, all-night parties and plenty of fun
Maspalomas Carnival - Parades, street parties and fantastic costumes, Maspalomas Carnival takes place in March and hosts a different theme every year
Romería de La Peña Fuerteventura - Every September, people from all over the world come to celebrate this religious date
Kite festival Fuerteventua - November sees the skies over Fuerteventura’s beaches come alive with huge kites
Visual Music Festival Lanzarote - A music festival like no other is located across the island in October. Expect amazing concerts in even more amazing locations
Atlantic Odyssey Lanzarote - A 60+ strong boat race from Lanzarote to the Carribean sets sail every November with plenty of fun family activities
The Canary Islands Music Festival - between the months of January and March, Tenerife plays host to a music festival celebrating classical music
Where's the best nightlife in the Canaries?
From the buzzing strip of Playa de las Americas in Tenerife to the trendy backstreet bars of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, the nightlife across these islands is incredibly varied. So, whether you fancy sipping a cocktail at sunset, enjoy a cabaret show by the beach or dance until the sun comes up, theres a perfect spot for you in the Canaries. Here are a few of our favourite venues;
La Azotea de Benito Cocktail Bar - a trendy rooftop cocktail bar with stunning views over Las Palmas Old Town in Gran Canaria
Papagayo Beach Club - a beach club, bar, restaurant and nightclub all rolled into one and right on the gorgeous Tenerife sands
Bar La Cueva - set inland, this unique bar is located in the former residence of a film star and offers incredible views of lava-clad cliffs
Rock Island Bar - acoustic live sessions, super cool decor and a totally chilled out vibe
What's the food like in the Canaries?
Tapas with a twist, Canarian food is unique to the archipelago. With its roots firmly in Spanish flavours, Canarian cuisine also has the added Latin American and North African influences, resulting in delicious flavour combinations. Here are a few of our must-try dishes;
Papas arrugadas- the Canary Islands in one bite - a delicious side dish of local salty potatoes
Mojo Picón/verde - dipping sauce that is usually served with papas arrugadas but to be honest, it goes with everything
Ropa vieja - Latin American influences are shown in this delicious shredded meat and bean dish
You’ve had a great day at the beach, showered, had the obligatory post-beach nap, and you’re ready to head out for dinner. Well, if its traditional Canarian tapas on the menu, then take a look at a few of our recommendations below.
Ibéricos J. Cruz - Gran Canaria
Taberna Cántabra - Tenerife
Casa Manolo - Fuerteventura
Restaurante "El Golfo" Casa Santi - Lanzarote
Places to visit
Tenerife's Auditorio de Tenerife
Behold the Auditorio de Tenerife, the architectural lovechild of the Sydney Opera House and a space cruiser, perched like a sentinel by the sea. This isn't just a venue; it's a cultural mothership calling all artsy aliens and earthlings to bask in its acoustical and visual splendour. Snap a pic, catch a show, or just stare in awe – this icon's silhouette against the sunset is the kind of view that gives your goosebumps goosebumps.
Lanzarote's Cueva de los Verdes
Dive into the underworld at Cueva de los Verdes, a lava tube that's cooler than your favourite underground club. This cavernous wonder is a concert hall, a history lesson, and a hideout from pirate lore, all rolled into one. Stalactites and stalagmites play tag in the semi-darkness, and echoes turn whispers into shouts – it's nature's own cathedral, and the choir is otherworldly.
Fuerteventura's Corralejo Dunes
Corralejo Dunes in Fuerteventura are the Sahara's cooler, less crowded cousin. These sands are so soft, your feet will think they've gone to heaven, and so expansive, your Instagram will think it's won the lottery. It's a desert mirage that's 100% real, with dunes that roll and tumble towards the ocean like they're late for a beach party.
Key facts about Canaries
Flight Time
4.5 hours
Time Difference
No difference!
Currency
Euro
Language
Spanish
Do I need a visa to visit the Canaries?
British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to the Canaries for under 90 days.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit the Canaries?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to the Canaries?
Customers will be required to pay a sustainable tourist tax when staying in the Canaries. This is usually between €0.5-€5 per person per night, depending on the season and star rating of the hotel. This is usually payable in local currency to the hotel.
Will COVID-19 affect my holiday to the Canaries?
We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Spain on the FCDO website.